Experts are seeing an upswing in bookings to Dubai for 2018 – in fact, it’s estimated that this desert and dune paradise one of the most popular destinations! What can you do there? There’s plenty to keep you busy in this Middle Eastern paradise

Who would have thought that a modern metropolis in the midst of the desert could cause so much hype? Yet, against all odds, Dubai is becoming one of the go-to destinations for the 21st Century. Sure, it’s an exciting, vibrant city, where visitors not only enjoy excellent duty free shopping, but also explore the magic of the desert including camel riding, soak up the sun and experience resort life. And now there are even more exciting adventures to enjoy when you visit Dubai. Take a look…

1. GO SKIING IN THE DESERT!

It’s a little unbelievable, but we should have expected it from the Dubai developers who erected the massive Meydan One project, which offers visitors all sorts of entertainment including the longest ski slope in the world at 1.2km! The Project includes a luxury hotel, residential living, a shopping centre, over 300 cafes and restaurants and a marina complex and yacht club that berths up to 100 sailing vessels. Of course, a project of this magnitude doesn’t come cheap – it cost in the region of $7 billion (more than R10 billion) to build. The project stretches from the city’s Meydan racetrack all the way to famous Burj Khalifa, the highest building on earth as well as Dubai’s tallest building.

2. VISIT THE DUBAI OPERA HOUSE

Dubai can now add musical performances of world stature to its list of cultural experiences. The city’s very own Opera House is located in its own Opera District in downtown Dubai. The building was designed by one of the most respected design, engineering and project consultancies in the world, called Atkins. It has been created to resemble a traditional Arab sailing vessel. Aside from hosting opera, as its name dictates, the Opera House is also used for various other performances and events, including theatre, art exhibitions, concerts, film, even sports events.

3. DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers an extraordinary underwater adventure. Visitors get to view a wide variety of aquatic animals including 300 sharks and rays. There’s a glass-bottom boat tour or you can just walk through the underwater glass tunnel at the Underwater Zoo, located in the popular Dubai Mall. Thrill-seekers delight in the cage snorkelling experience, shark cage diving and the night creatures tour.

4. DUBAI FRAME

Relatively new on the Dubai cityscape, this architectural landmark is the largest picture frame on the planet. Located in Zabeel Park, it measures 150m high and 93m wide. It comprises two towers connected by a 100-square-metre bridge with a 25-square-metre glass panel in the middle, offering a 360-degree view. There’s a museum on the ground floor that showcases the city’s transformation into a bustling metropolis.

5. DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS

This series of three theme parks offers plenty of excitement. There’s also a waterpark and more than 100 exciting indoor and outdoor rides and attractions at various sites including Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, LEGOLAND Water Park and Riverland Dubai. There are numerous dining options available and visitors can choose to stay at the resort’s hotel, called Lupita Dubai.